What do you think?
Rate this book
Claire Morgan #10
Fatal Game
ONE WRONG MOVE
Private detective Claire Morgan has come home from her honeymoon just in time for Christmas at Lake of the Ozarks. And for the sheriff's department, laid low with flu, to hand her a case guaranteed to chill her to the bone.
ONE CHANCE TO DIE
One of the homes in the local Christmas On the Lake House tour—the mansion of an aging rock star trying to turn his life around—has been "decorated" with the body of a young woman, arranged as a bloody angel on the balcony above his Christmas tree. There's a piece from a board game, gift wrapped and left under the tree, a hint that connects this murder to other deaths. With evidence of a gruesome pattern appearing, Claire suspects she's on the hunt for a serial killer.
IN A GAME WITH NO RULES
But the closer she comes, the more certain she is that the killer is playing his game with her, just waiting his turn. The next move might be on Claire herself—or worse, the people she loves . . .
Praise for Linda Ladd’s Claire Morgan Thrillers
“One of the most creepy, crawly, and compelling psychological thrillers ever.” — Fresh Fiction
“Chilling, compelling suspense . . . be prepared to lose sleep!” —Eileen Dryer
“Exciting, thrill-a-minute!” — Midwest Book Review
“Plenty of suspense and surprises.” — Publishers Weekly
Private detective Claire Morgan has come home from her honeymoon just in time for Christmas at Lake of the Ozarks. And for the sheriff's department, laid low with flu, to hand her a case guaranteed to chill her to the bone.
ONE CHANCE TO DIE
One of the homes in the local Christmas On the Lake House tour—the mansion of an aging rock star trying to turn his life around—has been "decorated" with the body of a young woman, arranged as a bloody angel on the balcony above his Christmas tree. There's a piece from a board game, gift wrapped and left under the tree, a hint that connects this murder to other deaths. With evidence of a gruesome pattern appearing, Claire suspects she's on the hunt for a serial killer.
IN A GAME WITH NO RULES
But the closer she comes, the more certain she is that the killer is playing his game with her, just waiting his turn. The next move might be on Claire herself—or worse, the people she loves . . .
Praise for Linda Ladd’s Claire Morgan Thrillers
“One of the most creepy, crawly, and compelling psychological thrillers ever.” — Fresh Fiction
“Chilling, compelling suspense . . . be prepared to lose sleep!” —Eileen Dryer
“Exciting, thrill-a-minute!” — Midwest Book Review
“Plenty of suspense and surprises.” — Publishers Weekly
- GenresMystery ThrillerMystery
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2017
23 people are currently reading
443 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 5, 2017
Private Detective Claire Morgan and her husband, Dr. Nicholas Black, have returned from their honeymoon when she gets roped into helping our the Sheriff's department since the flu has hit almost everyone.
Together again with her old partner, they are called to investigate a body found in a home on the Christmas House Tour. What they find is beyond gruesome. A beautiful young lady is the angel topper on a Christmas tree ... and she's very, very dead. There is a present addressed to the cops ... Game On.
This game has no rules .. anything goes. And people die.
This book is written in alternating chapters. Two young men bond over the murder of one's mother. And over the years, they perfect their game. But who are they ...really?
When the chapters merge, the suspense escalates leading to a surprising violent ending.
I've been following this series since 2006 and it's become one of my favorites. Although this is 10th in a series, it does well as a stand alone ... as all the books. I do recommend starting at the very beginning .... especially for those who have never read this author until now.
Many thanks to the author / Kensington Books-Lyrical Underground / #FatalGame #NetGalley. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 3, 2017
My first stab at this series, and my last. Claire is the most hateful, mean spirited, unprofessional, and distasteful detective I’ve ever had the displeasure to read. Not only is this book all sarcastically mouthy talk/thoughts and little action; it’s a really bad “In Death” knockoff. Where Eve Dallas is tough but fair and competent, Claire is just a snarky bitch playing detective with a rich, handsome Roarke wannabe for a husband. Cheesy tell-not-show writing, a low class h, and painfully bad....
November 10, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for an advance copy of Fatal Game, the tenth novel to feature former police detective turned P.I. Claire Morgan set in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.
The police department has been decimated by the flu so Claire has agreed to work temporarily as a homicide detective until the regular team are fit again. She and her partner, Bud Davis, are called out to a murder at one of the mansions on the Christmas Tour where a young woman has been suspended above a Christmas tree and posed.
This is the first novel I have read in the series so I was completely open minded when I started it. It has a good plot with some tense moments at the end but overall it is a bit facile for me in both the writing style and execution.
The novel alternates in point of view between Claire's investigation and the killer's history. It is, therefore, not difficult to guess what is going on at any point in the novel with one exception where a new player is well disguised so all that remains is the detail. Apart from the ending I did not find the novel suspenseful although the plot held my attention. I think this is to do with the writing style which is full of unnecessary descriptions of Christmas decorations, Claire's husband Nick's enjoyment of the season and the first world problems of paparazzi photographers. I also found the descriptions of Nick and Claire's love sickly and sentimental.
I didn't take to Claire Morgan, finding her overly judgemental and prone to under think situations. She lives a fairytale existence with her fabulously wealthy husband and dangerous job. Real life it ain't. And therein lies my problem with the novel, it is an escapist story where reality and practicalities have no place.
Fatal Game is not the kind of novel I like to read but it is competently done and will be a good addition to the series.
The police department has been decimated by the flu so Claire has agreed to work temporarily as a homicide detective until the regular team are fit again. She and her partner, Bud Davis, are called out to a murder at one of the mansions on the Christmas Tour where a young woman has been suspended above a Christmas tree and posed.
This is the first novel I have read in the series so I was completely open minded when I started it. It has a good plot with some tense moments at the end but overall it is a bit facile for me in both the writing style and execution.
The novel alternates in point of view between Claire's investigation and the killer's history. It is, therefore, not difficult to guess what is going on at any point in the novel with one exception where a new player is well disguised so all that remains is the detail. Apart from the ending I did not find the novel suspenseful although the plot held my attention. I think this is to do with the writing style which is full of unnecessary descriptions of Christmas decorations, Claire's husband Nick's enjoyment of the season and the first world problems of paparazzi photographers. I also found the descriptions of Nick and Claire's love sickly and sentimental.
I didn't take to Claire Morgan, finding her overly judgemental and prone to under think situations. She lives a fairytale existence with her fabulously wealthy husband and dangerous job. Real life it ain't. And therein lies my problem with the novel, it is an escapist story where reality and practicalities have no place.
Fatal Game is not the kind of novel I like to read but it is competently done and will be a good addition to the series.
December 5, 2017
Unlike many readers of Fatal Game (Claire Morgan #10) by Linda Ladd, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Granted there were a few things I think could have improved the story, but overall it was a complete story that held my attention.
Reader's of previous books in the series will know many of the returning characters (Claire, Black, Buckeye, Shag, Bud, Harve & Rico to name a few)and will feel comfortable with their backstories, and relationships with each other. Claire and Black are now married and back at the Inn with their ward Rico. Due to illness in the local police force, Claire has been asked to fill in, her PI partner; Will Novak is away on vacation.
The story jumps between the investigation of the current grizzly crime and the evolution (spanning many years) of the killers. The language of the book is simple and very descriptive at times, and the reader will identify the killer(s) early on, but this does not spoil the overall story in my opinion. The running subplot involves the married lives of Claire & Black, tabloid photos, and Rico’s future.
The one area I felt could have been improved was the last 10-15 percent of the story, so much time had been spent developing the killers' persona, and plans, yet the book's conclusion was a quick wrap-up. The ending felt rushed to me, with the heroes just being there at the right time. I would have liked it to have been plotted out with more detail to support the action and the people involved.
I wish to thank the Author, Kensington Books/Lyrical Underground, and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book’s publication date is Dec. 5th, 2017 and is available in Kindle and paperback editions.
For me, this was a 4-star read.
Reader's of previous books in the series will know many of the returning characters (Claire, Black, Buckeye, Shag, Bud, Harve & Rico to name a few)and will feel comfortable with their backstories, and relationships with each other. Claire and Black are now married and back at the Inn with their ward Rico. Due to illness in the local police force, Claire has been asked to fill in, her PI partner; Will Novak is away on vacation.
The story jumps between the investigation of the current grizzly crime and the evolution (spanning many years) of the killers. The language of the book is simple and very descriptive at times, and the reader will identify the killer(s) early on, but this does not spoil the overall story in my opinion. The running subplot involves the married lives of Claire & Black, tabloid photos, and Rico’s future.
The one area I felt could have been improved was the last 10-15 percent of the story, so much time had been spent developing the killers' persona, and plans, yet the book's conclusion was a quick wrap-up. The ending felt rushed to me, with the heroes just being there at the right time. I would have liked it to have been plotted out with more detail to support the action and the people involved.
I wish to thank the Author, Kensington Books/Lyrical Underground, and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book’s publication date is Dec. 5th, 2017 and is available in Kindle and paperback editions.
For me, this was a 4-star read.
December 30, 2017
A very enjoyable read - had missed Claire and Black! A pair of psychopaths on a killing spree using a board game to choose their prey and method! They can't get anymore demented than they are. Some red herrings tossed in here and there just to make it a bit more enticing!
Linda Ladd writes a very good murder mystery that can leave you checking under your bed and throughout your closet for what may contain evil.
I will never look at big waterwheels the same again!
4.5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
Linda Ladd writes a very good murder mystery that can leave you checking under your bed and throughout your closet for what may contain evil.
I will never look at big waterwheels the same again!
4.5 stars and 2 thumbs up!
December 19, 2017
This is book 10 in the Claire Morgan series. Claire is a former police detective now a private detective and her husband, Dr Nicholas Black is getting back into his routine as psychiatrist to the rich and famous and uber disturbed. Claire and Nick return from their honeymoon along with Rico, the boy who they rescued in the last book. When a bad flu bug hits the Sheriff's department in Lake of the Ozarks where Claire used to work, she finds herself agreeing to work with her old partner Bud to help out while they are short staffed during the Christmas season. During the local Christmas House Tour, the body of a young woman is found as a angel topper on a Christmas tree.
This book follows Ladd's style of alternating the past and present stories until they merge into one. Her writing style continues to mature and the stories and characters more in depth and intense, keeping the reader riveted and unable to put down the book until the last page is read.
In this book, the murderers bond at a young age over the death of one's mother, and develop a real life murder game they create based on the combination of several board games. Claire and Rico find themselves pawns in their game and are captured by the duo in a revenge/murder plot. Claire comes closer to dying than she ever has before and she begins to see Black's POV on the risks and dangers of her life.
This series has become a favourite of mine and even though this could be read as a stand alone, I would recommend starting at the beginning to fully understand Claire and her personality. Ladd's style is dark and her characters are deeply troubled which could be a turn off to some.
Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This book follows Ladd's style of alternating the past and present stories until they merge into one. Her writing style continues to mature and the stories and characters more in depth and intense, keeping the reader riveted and unable to put down the book until the last page is read.
In this book, the murderers bond at a young age over the death of one's mother, and develop a real life murder game they create based on the combination of several board games. Claire and Rico find themselves pawns in their game and are captured by the duo in a revenge/murder plot. Claire comes closer to dying than she ever has before and she begins to see Black's POV on the risks and dangers of her life.
This series has become a favourite of mine and even though this could be read as a stand alone, I would recommend starting at the beginning to fully understand Claire and her personality. Ladd's style is dark and her characters are deeply troubled which could be a turn off to some.
Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
January 22, 2018
A confusing, run-of-the-mill crime mystery.
The sheriff’s department at Lake of the Ozarks has been devastated by flu. Enter Claire Morgan who has retired from the service to start as a private investigator. She has just returned from her honeymoon having married Dr Nicholas Black and is persuaded to head up an investigation on behalf of the Sheriff into the particularly gruesome murder of a young woman. Little does she realise that her pursuit of the perpetrators will put not only her but also her loved ones in mortal danger.
There are so many areas which don’t add up to the storyline. Black, as Morgan likes to call him, is rich beyond the dreams of avarice. He is a famous psychotherapist or psychiatrist or whatever the difference is between the two, who also owns and runs a luxury hotel. Therefore, why on earth Morgan would wish to set out as a gumshoe is beyond me. Other events occur throughout the plot which can’t be quoted as they are spoilers but which will leave many readers wondering why they happened at all. The murderers seem hellbent on placing themselves in jeopardy at every conceivable opportunity for instance. Many of these events are totally illogical so suspend disbelief all those who delve into the covers of this one.
Another confusing aspect is the timeline which jumps about like a cat on a hot tin roof. The changes in time are not signalled and it’s up to the reader to determine what happened and in which sequence although once worked out it is all too easy to spot the relationships between the characters. Additionally, I was also put off by the bloodthirsty nature of the crimes. The violence to my mind was at times gratuitous and I felt that the author was out to shock.
This is the umpteenth in the Claire Morgan series. Maybe the author had run out of ideas. Very often sequels to books and films are nowhere as good as the original. Not having read any of the others in the series I am unqualified to comment but I can speculate. Although I have no intention to disrespect the author who clearly has a huge fan base I just felt that the book had the feeling of being churned out.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
The sheriff’s department at Lake of the Ozarks has been devastated by flu. Enter Claire Morgan who has retired from the service to start as a private investigator. She has just returned from her honeymoon having married Dr Nicholas Black and is persuaded to head up an investigation on behalf of the Sheriff into the particularly gruesome murder of a young woman. Little does she realise that her pursuit of the perpetrators will put not only her but also her loved ones in mortal danger.
There are so many areas which don’t add up to the storyline. Black, as Morgan likes to call him, is rich beyond the dreams of avarice. He is a famous psychotherapist or psychiatrist or whatever the difference is between the two, who also owns and runs a luxury hotel. Therefore, why on earth Morgan would wish to set out as a gumshoe is beyond me. Other events occur throughout the plot which can’t be quoted as they are spoilers but which will leave many readers wondering why they happened at all. The murderers seem hellbent on placing themselves in jeopardy at every conceivable opportunity for instance. Many of these events are totally illogical so suspend disbelief all those who delve into the covers of this one.
Another confusing aspect is the timeline which jumps about like a cat on a hot tin roof. The changes in time are not signalled and it’s up to the reader to determine what happened and in which sequence although once worked out it is all too easy to spot the relationships between the characters. Additionally, I was also put off by the bloodthirsty nature of the crimes. The violence to my mind was at times gratuitous and I felt that the author was out to shock.
This is the umpteenth in the Claire Morgan series. Maybe the author had run out of ideas. Very often sequels to books and films are nowhere as good as the original. Not having read any of the others in the series I am unqualified to comment but I can speculate. Although I have no intention to disrespect the author who clearly has a huge fan base I just felt that the book had the feeling of being churned out.
mr zorg
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
May 17, 2023
Ladd has gone downhill
I like the psychos. That's about it.
Needs a better editor.
In this book, Claire is back with the police, but doesn't follow police procedure? Hell, there isn't much of an investigation. It's like the whole book was rushed, especially the ending. I'm not even real sure who shot who.
The pov characters all sound similar at times. It kills their characters.
All in all, meh.
I like the psychos. That's about it.
Needs a better editor.
In this book, Claire is back with the police, but doesn't follow police procedure? Hell, there isn't much of an investigation. It's like the whole book was rushed, especially the ending. I'm not even real sure who shot who.
The pov characters all sound similar at times. It kills their characters.
All in all, meh.
April 3, 2019
I received this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. I had not read the previous books in this series. The story had a good plot but I was tripped up by the consistent use of "super" and "uber" as adjectives. Also phrases such as "big time" made the writing seem juvenile.
December 1, 2017
This is the first book I have read in this series by Linda Ladd and while I was excited by the story synopsis this story did not hold up long.
The writing left Juvenal at best the female Private Investigator Claire Morgan was truly unlikable she complained, completely self centers and annoying at best. When you bring in the paparazzi into the Ozarks it becomes laugh out loud with lots of eye rolling. I have a feeling most wouldn't be able to find it on the maps even if they were given some.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
The writing left Juvenal at best the female Private Investigator Claire Morgan was truly unlikable she complained, completely self centers and annoying at best. When you bring in the paparazzi into the Ozarks it becomes laugh out loud with lots of eye rolling. I have a feeling most wouldn't be able to find it on the maps even if they were given some.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
January 4, 2018
Junior is the spoilt son of a famous rock star. Lucky is the young pool guy having sex with Junior’s mother. Together they plot to murder her and then live the high life on the income Junior receives from his father. They decide they enjoy killing and plan their next kill and more.
Detective Claire Morgan Black is still coping with the death of her little boy years ago. Leaving the force to become a private investigator she finds herself recalled to assist local law enforcement after returning from her honeymoon. Her first case involves the murder of a young girl found posed on a Christmas tree as an angel.
Nicholas Black is a hotel property owner, newly married to Claire and a shrink to some of the rich and famous in society.
Rico is the young orphan taken on as their own after an extremely traumatic experience for him.
Junior and Lucky seemed a very odd pair of killers. With names like that I had trouble taking them seriously. Also I felt it was a little odd for Junior to have a twinge of guilt about the murders they were committing.
This story moved along at a reasonable pace and had enough action to hold my interests. Claire was a little too girly for my liking and I was expecting her to be tougher and not shrink from things like insects and visiting the morgue. The flashbacks/images of the dead girl she experienced seemed a little repetitive in some sections.
Words like discombobulate and apropos are a little out of place in a crime/mystery/thriller like this. On the other hand, I am always happy to learn new words!
This book finishes with a nail biting ending and definitely worth full marks to the author.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a digital copy of the book via Netgalley. Thanks also for the opportunity to provide my review.
Detective Claire Morgan Black is still coping with the death of her little boy years ago. Leaving the force to become a private investigator she finds herself recalled to assist local law enforcement after returning from her honeymoon. Her first case involves the murder of a young girl found posed on a Christmas tree as an angel.
Nicholas Black is a hotel property owner, newly married to Claire and a shrink to some of the rich and famous in society.
Rico is the young orphan taken on as their own after an extremely traumatic experience for him.
Junior and Lucky seemed a very odd pair of killers. With names like that I had trouble taking them seriously. Also I felt it was a little odd for Junior to have a twinge of guilt about the murders they were committing.
This story moved along at a reasonable pace and had enough action to hold my interests. Claire was a little too girly for my liking and I was expecting her to be tougher and not shrink from things like insects and visiting the morgue. The flashbacks/images of the dead girl she experienced seemed a little repetitive in some sections.
Words like discombobulate and apropos are a little out of place in a crime/mystery/thriller like this. On the other hand, I am always happy to learn new words!
This book finishes with a nail biting ending and definitely worth full marks to the author.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a digital copy of the book via Netgalley. Thanks also for the opportunity to provide my review.
November 9, 2017
Private Detective Claire Morgan wants nothing more than to enjoy the holidays with her new husband, Black, and Rico, the little boy they have brought into their home. When she gets assigned to a gruesome murder with an odd game clue left at the crime scene, Claire realizes this might be the work of a serial killer. And she might be caught up in ...(wait for it)... a fatal game.
This was my first introduction to Claire Morgan as I have not read the other books in the series. I found her to be self-involved and annoying. I thought her whining about having to work a murder during the holidays to be a bit much. But what really drove me nuts was the amount of times Claire and Black talked about their tabloid photos and the constant presence of paparazzi. The idea that paparazzi would be in the Ozarks during the holiday season just to catch a couple of snaps of these two is ridiculous.
With that being said I can enjoy a book even if the characters are unlikable. However, the story just veered into more and more unrealistic territory as it progressed and by the end of it I was just glad it was over.
I won a free ebook in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This was my first introduction to Claire Morgan as I have not read the other books in the series. I found her to be self-involved and annoying. I thought her whining about having to work a murder during the holidays to be a bit much. But what really drove me nuts was the amount of times Claire and Black talked about their tabloid photos and the constant presence of paparazzi. The idea that paparazzi would be in the Ozarks during the holiday season just to catch a couple of snaps of these two is ridiculous.
With that being said I can enjoy a book even if the characters are unlikable. However, the story just veered into more and more unrealistic territory as it progressed and by the end of it I was just glad it was over.
I won a free ebook in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
December 12, 2017
Claire and her husband, Nick, have recently returned from their honeymoon. They've returned to spend Christmas at the Lake of the Ozarks, where the sheriff's department is overrun with the flu. Claire and her partner, Bud, are private detectives, but they take a murder case to help out the sick sheriff. The murder was at the home of an aging rock star, whose home was on the town's Christmas tour. The gruesome death appears to be done by a serial killer, who taunts Claire.
Since the story takes place at Christmas time, this seemed a good choice for a December read.
A quick read. The mystery part was interesting, but I wasn't interested in Claire's personal problems. The book was primarily told from Claire's point of view, but there were some chapters from the killer's viewpoint. I wanted to keep reading to see how it all came together in the end.
This was my first book to read in the Claire Morgan series. Even though this book is part of a series, I felt it was a good standalone read. I'm not in a hurry to read more of this series, but I might read others if I'm in the mood for an escapist crime mystery to read.
I won a Kindle version of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Since the story takes place at Christmas time, this seemed a good choice for a December read.
A quick read. The mystery part was interesting, but I wasn't interested in Claire's personal problems. The book was primarily told from Claire's point of view, but there were some chapters from the killer's viewpoint. I wanted to keep reading to see how it all came together in the end.
This was my first book to read in the Claire Morgan series. Even though this book is part of a series, I felt it was a good standalone read. I'm not in a hurry to read more of this series, but I might read others if I'm in the mood for an escapist crime mystery to read.
I won a Kindle version of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
February 20, 2021
Received this from the Goodreads Giveaways. Had a hard time getting into the book, had to put it down for an extended period several times. The bad guys were way too creepy, the main character, Claire, and her husband, Nick Black, were a bit too over the top, and the dialog and writing was just off.
The story line was ok. Claire is working as a cop in a small town where her husband owns a fancy resort. He is fabulously wealthy and is a psychologist to the rich and famous. They have returned from their honeymoon and she starts working a case where the daughter of one of Black's patients has been killed. The story alternates between the current investigation and the history of the killers. Claire is not the most likeable of characters as she does not seem to be very nice to people. Got tired of her getting all hot and bothered over her husband all the time. A bit of a side story is thrown in with the appearance of their wards grandparents and concern over whether he would go live with them.
Have read others in the series and was hoping the writing style had gotten better but it hasn't for me.
The story line was ok. Claire is working as a cop in a small town where her husband owns a fancy resort. He is fabulously wealthy and is a psychologist to the rich and famous. They have returned from their honeymoon and she starts working a case where the daughter of one of Black's patients has been killed. The story alternates between the current investigation and the history of the killers. Claire is not the most likeable of characters as she does not seem to be very nice to people. Got tired of her getting all hot and bothered over her husband all the time. A bit of a side story is thrown in with the appearance of their wards grandparents and concern over whether he would go live with them.
Have read others in the series and was hoping the writing style had gotten better but it hasn't for me.
November 25, 2020
Lyrical Press and NetGalley provided me with an Advanced Reader's Copy of Fatal Game. The choice to review this book is my own.
Private detective Claire Morgan has come home from her honeymoon in time for the Christmas On the Lake House tour. When a stop on the tour is decorated with the body of a young woman, Claire is asked by the sheriff's office to help investigate. Will Claire's involvement in the case put a target on her back?
Having not read the other books in the series, I never felt like I got a true handle on Claire Morgan's character. I am a big reader of mystery thrillers and Fatal Game just blended in with the rest. I doubt I will remember the character tomorrow and I am not interested in reading the nine other books in the series thus far. Perhaps had I started at the beginning, I might feel differently. I am also not usually a fan of books told in different perspectives, especially when the author tries to get readers to see the events from the killer's point of view. For these reasons, I would hesitate to recommend Fatal Game to other readers.
Private detective Claire Morgan has come home from her honeymoon in time for the Christmas On the Lake House tour. When a stop on the tour is decorated with the body of a young woman, Claire is asked by the sheriff's office to help investigate. Will Claire's involvement in the case put a target on her back?
Having not read the other books in the series, I never felt like I got a true handle on Claire Morgan's character. I am a big reader of mystery thrillers and Fatal Game just blended in with the rest. I doubt I will remember the character tomorrow and I am not interested in reading the nine other books in the series thus far. Perhaps had I started at the beginning, I might feel differently. I am also not usually a fan of books told in different perspectives, especially when the author tries to get readers to see the events from the killer's point of view. For these reasons, I would hesitate to recommend Fatal Game to other readers.
December 5, 2017
Claire Morgan is just back from her honeymoon after marrying Nicholas Black. She is back as a homicide detective when she catches a particularly nasty case. It appears to be the work of a serial killer who has been getting away with murder for years.
Claire has an attitude, with good reason. She has been thru a lot and as a result doesn’t trust easily. This book is told from multiple view points. There are chapters that are told from the killers view points and chapters told from Claire’s. The plot was good enough to keep me interested in finding out how it was going to end. It is part of a series but I felt it could be read on its own. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
Claire has an attitude, with good reason. She has been thru a lot and as a result doesn’t trust easily. This book is told from multiple view points. There are chapters that are told from the killers view points and chapters told from Claire’s. The plot was good enough to keep me interested in finding out how it was going to end. It is part of a series but I felt it could be read on its own. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
November 27, 2017
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I gave up on this one really early in. The writing was so amateur it felt like it was written by a high school student who didn't particularly CARE about writing, but was looking for an easy grade. I can accept the use of slang like "gonna" when it's in the context of a character's dialogue, but when the author uses it repeatedly instead of using proper grammar, it just comes off as lazy. Beyond that, the descriptive text was really repetitive and dull. Skip this one.
I gave up on this one really early in. The writing was so amateur it felt like it was written by a high school student who didn't particularly CARE about writing, but was looking for an easy grade. I can accept the use of slang like "gonna" when it's in the context of a character's dialogue, but when the author uses it repeatedly instead of using proper grammar, it just comes off as lazy. Beyond that, the descriptive text was really repetitive and dull. Skip this one.
January 7, 2018
Usually, this series has gotten a 4-star, or higher, rating from me but Fatal Game just didn't seem to flow as well as the others have. It has most of the elements the Claire Morgan series is noted for but there were times it became tedious to continue reading. The suspense is still there, although I have to say that this one I had figured out (at least mostly) by midway through the book. That isn't typical. Do I still think this is one of the best crime mystery series? Yep. Will I continue to read it? You betcha!
November 9, 2017
This book was won in a Goodreads giveaway. I tried hard to like it, but I can't even get into the book. I don't like Claire as a character, she doesn't seem at all like any detectives I've known in real life or even read about. Just don't like the writing style and also the book started out with some kid in a pool, seemed like the story took an entirely different route!
I would shelf this as did not finish, but it's in my giveaway shelf. (note to self)
I would shelf this as did not finish, but it's in my giveaway shelf. (note to self)
November 14, 2021
I really enjoyed the book! It was great! I do have 2 criticisms, though. She needs a continuity editor. Rico was 6, nearly 7, and small for his age in the last book, which took place less than a year before this one. Now he's 10 and tall for his age? Really? And a grammatical criticism: She writes "What'd you..." when it should be "What d'you..." in conversations where it would or should be "What do you...".
November 14, 2017
Claire and Nick are back from their honeymoon and settling into life with their young ward, Rico. The flu has many of the local police force down, so Claire is back on homicide temporarily. A beautiful young girl is killed and displayed in a very disturbing manner, and soon Claire is a target. The killers are trul terrifying, but nicely balanced
December 9, 2017
Can't get enough of Claire and Black. Now Rico is added to the mix. I hope her present to Black is she's pregnant. These two sadistic killers we're the worse I've seen in a minute, and reading serial killer thrillers are my thing. Such psychotic behavior. They belonged locked away in a psych ward forever. Excellent!
December 21, 2017
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway on my Kindle. This is the first book I've read in the series and I had the hardest time getting through it. I couldn't stand any of the characters and the back and forth between Lucky/Jr vs Claire really took the mystery and suspense out of it. Super disappointed as it seemed like something right up my alley.
January 5, 2018
Yes
It took me about 20% in before I started caring about the characters but from there in it became more and more engaging. I really enjoyed Black, Rico, etc besides the lead character and her partner.
It took me about 20% in before I started caring about the characters but from there in it became more and more engaging. I really enjoyed Black, Rico, etc besides the lead character and her partner.
February 27, 2018
I really enjoyed reading all her books I am looking forward to the next one. Thank you so much./ Doreen i
I really enjoyed reading all her books I am looking forward to the book
Thank you. Doreen for keeping so intrance
I really enjoyed reading all her books I am looking forward to the book
Thank you. Doreen for keeping so intrance
November 7, 2017
I liked it. Fast paced and once I got into it I didn't want to put it down. I could of done without the jumping around but overall a good story line.
December 18, 2017
Very good
There were a few parts kind of drawn out but for the most part a great read! Lots of action
There were a few parts kind of drawn out but for the most part a great read! Lots of action
December 31, 2017
How I have missed Claire Morgan!! Ladd writes exactly what makes me cringe is disgusting glee!! Non stop thrills and some holidays joys in her newest thriller!!
October 18, 2020
The best book in this whole series so far. Full of action and thrills and kept my short attention span in check.
February 19, 2022
Excellent
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews